July 14, 2017

This exemption could have the effect of ensuring that members of Congress have coverage for a wider array of benefits than other Americans who purchase their own coverage.

A Senate Republican aide confirmed that the exemption existed but was unable to comment as to the specific effect it would have. The aide said it was included to ensure that the bill hewed to the chamber’s strict reconciliation rules that limit the policies this health bill can include.

It was already made clear they wanted not help from Democrats when it was decided that there would be no formal hearings on the bill. This exemption serves to further emphasize the lengths to which Republicans are willing to go to avoid the filibuster and, by extension, having to work across the aisle.